Comoros opposition leaders have dismissed the results of the recent legislative elections, citing extensive fraud. Most opposition parties boycotted the elections, which the ruling party claimed results in their favor amid allegations of ballot stuffing. Observers reported inconsistencies in voter turnout and President Assoumani dismissed claims of fraud. The United Opposition has announced they will not participate in the upcoming second round of voting.

On Monday, opposition leaders in Comoros officially dismissed the results of the recent legislative elections, citing extensive fraud and a lack of transparency. Most opposition parties had boycotted the elections, and Daoud Abdallah Mohamed, the United Opposition coalition leader, stated, “The election was marred by gross fraud, ballot box stuffing, and in several stations, there were more votes than registered voters.”

The independent electoral commission for Anjouan, the country’s most impoverished and densely populated island, announced that twelve candidates from the ruling Convention for the Renewal of the Comoros (CRC) party won the election. According to the commission, these candidates received between 60 and 100 percent of the vote with reported voter turnout at 70 percent. However, an observer noted a significant discrepancy, remarking that while the voter turnout appeared small, the ballot boxes were filled rapidly.

Fakridine Mahamoud, the minister responsible for elections, did not respond to requests for comments on the matter. In four out of five constituencies on Moheli island, only candidates from the ruling party were available, as the only opposition member withdrew during the election process.

President Azali Assoumani, who has been in power since 2016, rejected the allegations of electoral fraud, asserting, “It is not the first time the opposition has denounced (elections). Now, it is up to them to prove their denunciations.” A second round of voting is scheduled for February 16, during which Mohamed stated that the United Opposition would also refrain from participating.

Comoros has been experiencing political tension, particularly surrounding electoral processes which have often been criticized for a perceived lack of fairness and transparency. The allegations of election fraud stem from broader issues of governance and political participation in the archipelago, where oppositional voices have frequently felt marginalized. The upcoming elections highlight the contentious political climate and the challenges posed to democratic practices in the region.

In summary, the opposition in Comoros has rejected the latest election results due to accusations of widespread fraud and irregularities during the voting process. The ruling CRC party secured significant wins amid claims from observers and opposition leaders. With a boycott of the next voting round anticipated, the political landscape remains fraught with tension and unresolved issues regarding electoral integrity.

Original Source: www.barrons.com

Related posts:

Comoros Opposition Denounces Legislative Election Results Amid Fraud Claims Comoros Ruling Party Secures Dominant Majority in Parliamentary Elections Chad Conducts Elections Amid Opposition Boycott and Fraud Allegations Comoros Elections: Controversies and Opposition Boycotts Mark Legislative Vote